ISLAMABAD: The government on Tuesday said the appointment of new director general Inter Services Intellegence (ISI) will be made after completing the requirements as per the existing rules. Information minister, Fawad Hussain Chaudhary , told the mediamen while briefing on the outcome of the federal cabinet meeting held here.
Prime minister, Imran Khan, presided over the cabinet meeting.
The Information minister said authority to appoint ISI chief rests with the prime minister:
He claimed prime minister, Imran Khan, and Gen Bajwa enjoy very close relationship.Fawad chaudhary noted Imran Khan and general Qamar Javed Bajwa had a long meeting last night to stamp out issues surrounding the ISI chief’s appointment. “Imran Khan and Gen Bajwa enjoy a very close relationship and the ties between the two are cordial,” Fawad asserted.
He added that the Prime Minister’s Office will not take any kind of step to undermine the Pakistan Army and its chief, Gen Bajwa, whereas the military and the army chief won’t take steps to sideline the prime minister and the civilian set-up.
The federal minister said a new ISI chief will be appointed in accordance with the constitutional and legal requirements as agreed by the PM and the army chief. Fawad said the decision will be taken after thorough deliberations.
Speaking about the funeral of Dr Abdul Qadeer on Sunday, Fawad said at least 15 ministers of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) attended the last rites of Dr Qadeer and added chairman joint chiefs of staff and the naval chief also attended the funeral.
Fawad also said the cabinet has been briefed on electronic voting machines, adding the government wanted to give voting right to overseas Pakistanis.
The information minister claimed PTI has appointed more than 80 officials on top posts and all of the appointments were made on merit.
Talking about the police in the federal capital, he said the Islamabad Police will develop a new anti-riot unit that would be equipped with drones and the latest technology to control protesters in the federal capital.
The cabinet also decided to provide an online visa facility to foreign nationals working on CPEC projects in Pakistan, said the minister and added the cabinet also waived off fee on Pakistani visas for Afghan nationals coming to Pakistan.
Afghan traders will be added to the business visa list, he said, adding that Pakistan was the “basic source” of business and aid for Afghanistan. According to Fawad, the government was taking measures to facilitate the Afghan nationals coming to Pakistan so that illegal crossings can be curbed.
He elaborated on today’s cabinet session and said the body also endorsed the Economic Coordination Committee’s decisions. A demand for Rs2.4 billion for a special economic zone has been deferred.
Fawad further said the government has also provided overseas Pakistanis with the facility to get a power of attorney online. He said earlier, Pakistan nationals had to go to the embassy to get the power of attorney.
Referring to Pemra’s council of complaints, the minister said the body has been revamped and added that three women are also part of the council in the new set-up
